Brown County Vehicle Impound Guide

Getting Your Car Back After DUI Arrest in Brown County

After being arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Brown County, Texas, one of your immediate concerns is likely, "Where is my car, and how do I get it back?" It's common for vehicles to be impounded following a DUI arrest to ensure public safety and prevent further offenses. This guide provides practical information on how to locate, retrieve, and handle the associated costs of getting your vehicle back.

Your Vehicle After a DUI Arrest

When you are arrested for DUI, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office or the Brownwood Police Department will arrange for your vehicle to be towed to an impound lot. This impound is standard procedure. The vehicle will remain there until you (or someone authorized by you) takes the necessary steps to claim it. Understanding the process and acting quickly is crucial to minimize storage fees and prevent further complications. Remember to consult with a qualified Brown County DUI attorney to understand your legal options regarding the DUI charge itself.

Where Is Your Car?

The first step in retrieving your vehicle is determining where it was towed. The arresting officer should have provided you with documentation indicating the name of the towing company and its location. If you don't have this information readily available, there are other ways to find out.

How to Find Your Vehicle

• Check your arrest paperwork: The arresting officer should have given you paperwork that includes the name and contact information of the towing company that impounded your vehicle. This is the quickest and most direct way to find your car.
• Call the Brown County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line: If you can't find the paperwork, call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at (325) 646-5510. Provide them with your name, date of birth, and date of arrest. They should be able to provide you with the name and location of the impound lot.
• Reference your booking number: When you were booked into the Brown County Jail, you were assigned a booking number. Providing this number to the Sheriff's Office can help them locate your vehicle information more quickly. You can search your booking information at http://inmateroster.browncountytx.org/.

What You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle

Once you know where your vehicle is impounded, gather the necessary documents to retrieve it. The impound lot will require specific documentation to verify your ownership and authorization.

Required Documents

• Valid driver's license: You (or the person retrieving the vehicle) must have a valid driver's license.
• Vehicle registration or title: You must provide proof of ownership of the vehicle, either through the vehicle registration or the title.
• Proof of insurance: You must show proof that the vehicle is currently insured.
• Payment for fees: Be prepared to pay the towing and storage fees.

If You Don't Have a Valid License

If your driver's license is suspended due to the DUI arrest, you cannot personally retrieve the vehicle. In this case, you have two options:

• Have a licensed friend or family member retrieve it: A licensed friend or family member can retrieve the vehicle on your behalf.
• They need: Their valid driver's license, a signed authorization letter from you granting them permission to retrieve the vehicle, and the vehicle's title or registration in your name.

Costs & Fees in Brown County

Retrieving an impounded vehicle involves paying towing and storage fees. These fees can add up quickly, so understanding the cost structure is crucial.

Typical towing fees in Texas generally range from $150 to $300. Daily storage fees are typically between $25 and $50 per day. However, these fees can vary between impound lots.

IMPORTANT: Storage fees accumulate every day. Retrieve your vehicle as quickly as possible to minimize these costs.

Payment

Before heading to the impound lot, call them to confirm the accepted methods of payment. Some lots accept cash only, while others may accept credit cards or money orders.

Timeline

Time is of the essence when it comes to retrieving your impounded vehicle.

Act Immediately

Storage fees begin accruing the moment your vehicle is towed. Every day that passes increases the total amount you owe.

After 30 Days

In Texas, if a vehicle remains unclaimed for an extended period, the impound lot can initiate a lien sale to recover the unpaid fees. This typically occurs after 30 days. Do not let it reach this point. Contact the impound lot and arrange for retrieval as soon as possible.

If You Can't Afford the Fees

If you are struggling to afford the towing and storage fees, consider the following options:

• Contact a family member or friend: Ask for assistance from family or friends to help cover the costs.
• Ask the impound lot if a payment plan is available: Some impound lots may offer payment plans to help you manage the costs. It's worth asking if this is an option.
• Consult with your attorney: In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate or challenge the fees.

After Retrieval

Once you have retrieved your vehicle, take the following steps:

• Inspect the vehicle immediately before leaving the lot: Carefully inspect the vehicle for any damage that may have occurred while it was impounded.
• Document any damage with photos: Take photos of any damage you find.
• Report any damage to the lot manager in writing before you drive away: Notify the impound lot manager in writing about any damage before you leave the premises. This documentation is crucial if you need to file a claim for damages later.

By understanding the process, gathering the necessary documents, and acting quickly, you can retrieve your vehicle and minimize the financial burden associated with a DUI arrest in Brown County.

Frequently Asked Questions

**1. How long does the Brown County Jail hold vehicles after a DUI arrest?*The Brown County Jail does not hold vehicles. Instead, they are towed to a contracted impound lot. You need to contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at (325) 646-5510 to determine where your vehicle was towed.

**2. What happens if I cannot afford to get my car out of impound in Brown County?*If you cannot afford to retrieve your vehicle, contact the impound lot to ask about payment plans. You can also consult with a Brown County DUI attorney to explore options for negotiating or challenging the fees.

**3. Where is the Brown County Sheriff's Office located?*The Brown County Sheriff’s Office is located at 1050 W Commerce St, Brownwood, TX 76801. You can call them at (325) 646-5510 for information about your vehicle.